Latest News

THE Albury Gold Cup half day public holiday was a winner for the entire city with about 16,000 spectators, punters and revellers joining in on the fun at the Albury racecourse.
The coveted $170,000 Albury Gold Cup was taken out by Tony McEvoy’s French star runner Kourkam in front of a cheering crowd.
While strong runners on the field kept the punters happy, for many the event was simply a chance to get dressed up and let their hair down.
“The highlights of the event is catcing up with friends I have not seen in years,“ Border resident Alix Weidner said, who had chosen to wear a beauitful yellow long-sleeve dress after Friday’s weather just tipped 20 degrees.
“I think it’s great as a lot of people get to come back and catch up with friends while supporting the local community.“
News Weekly photographer ADAM WILSON was among the action, and caught all the trackside action, fashion stakes, and frivolity at the Albury Gold Cup.
Check out our extensive photo gallery with all the highlights of the day at www. alburywodonga.starcommunity.com.au.

THE Albury Gold Cup half day public holiday was a winner for the entire city with about 16,000 spectators, punters and revellers joining in on the fun at the Albury racecourse. The coveted $170,000 Albury Gold Cup was taken out by Tony McEvoy’s French star runner Kourkam in front of a cheering crowd. While strong runners on the field kept the punters happy, for many the event was simply a chance to get dressed up and let their hair down. “The highlights of the event is catcing up with friends I have not seen in years,“ Border resident Alix Weidner said, who had chosen to wear a beauitful yellow long-sleeve dress after Friday’s weather just tipped 20 degrees. “I think it’s great as a lot of people get to come back and catch up with friends while supporting the local community.“ News Weekly photographer ADAM WILSON was among the action, and caught all the trackside action, fashion stakes, and frivolity at the Albury Gold Cup. Check out our extensive photo gallery with all the highlights of the day at www. alburywodonga.starcommunity.com.au.

THE Albury Gold Cup half day public holiday was a winner for the entire city with about 16,000 spectators, punters and revellers joining in on the... Read More »

MELBA Support Service has held an upbeat grand opening to celebrate its relocation to Swinburne University’s former Lilydale campus.
Amid much fanfare last Thursday, about 250 guests descended on the new site to mark the occasion.
The entertainment included a performance from the Mount Evelyn Primary School choir, while guests included people with disabilities, their families, local businesses and supporters, and many community leaders.
Victorian Deputy Premier, James Merlino, headed a strong contingent of supporters.
These included Yarra Ranges Shire mayor, Cr Maria McCarthy; fellow councillor Len Cox; and Melba Life Governor, Pauline Jones, OAM.
In delivering his speech, Mr Merlino reiterated the Victorian Government’s commitment to Melba.
“The work that is done here, the difference you make, is crucial to a good society, a society in which everyone is valued,” he said.
“The care and respect you show here at Melba, the understanding of the inherent dignity of every human being, changes the lives of people who benefit from the support you provide.
“Melba plays such an important role in the community.”
Mr Merlino said he couldn’t wait until the facility was fully utilised.
“This new location ticks a lot of boxes, it will be incredible when we fully load up this base with life, activity and education,” he said.
“Having Melba absolutely connected with students, teachers and community activity on this beautiful site will be amazing.”
Mr Merlino praised the board’s management in ensuring the relocation could happen.
Melba last February sold its former Mount Evelyn site, which had been deemed a high bushfire risk.
Named after Dame Nellie Melba, the organisation provides support services to about 300 people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Melba chief executive officer, Glenn Foard, described the opening as possibly the most significant day in the service’s history.
“We are thrilled to be providing support services from this site,” he said.
“It is a perfect location and a great building, accessible for people who use wheelchairs and with sufficient space to expand our capacity and meet local needs.”
Melba President, Dr John Annison, said he was grateful to Swinburne University for making one of the buildings on campus available for use, while acknowledging the bi-partisan government support.
Life Governor Pauline Jones, OAM, who has been with the organisation since inception, was exceptionally moved.
In 2014, Mrs Jones received an Order of Australia Medal for life-long service to people with a disability and their families.
“It is absolutely overwhelming to think that such a large and well-respected organisation has developed from such a humble beginning,” she said.

MELBA Support Service has held an upbeat grand opening to celebrate its relocation to Swinburne University’s former Lilydale campus. Amid much fanfare last Thursday, about 250 guests descended on the new site to mark the occasion. The entertainment included a performance from the Mount Evelyn Primary School choir, while guests included people with disabilities, their families, local businesses and supporters, and many community leaders. Victorian Deputy Premier, James Merlino, headed a strong contingent of supporters. These included Yarra Ranges Shire mayor, Cr Maria McCarthy; fellow councillor Len Cox; and Melba Life Governor, Pauline Jones, OAM. In delivering his speech, Mr Merlino reiterated the Victorian Government’s commitment to Melba. “The work that is done here, the difference you make, is crucial to a good society, a society in which everyone is valued,” he said. “The care and respect you show here at Melba, the understanding of the inherent dignity of every human being, changes the lives of people who benefit from the support you provide. “Melba plays such an important role in the community.” Mr Merlino said he couldn’t wait until the facility was fully utilised. “This new location ticks a lot of boxes, it will be incredible when we fully load up this base with life, activity and education,” he said. “Having Melba absolutely connected with students, teachers and community activity on this beautiful site will be amazing.” Mr Merlino praised the board’s management in ensuring the relocation could happen. Melba last February sold its former Mount Evelyn site, which had been deemed a high bushfire risk. Named after Dame Nellie Melba, the organisation provides support services to about 300 people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Melba chief executive officer, Glenn Foard, described the opening as possibly the most significant day in the service’s history. “We are thrilled to be providing support services from this site,” he said. “It is a perfect location and a great building, accessible for people who use wheelchairs and with sufficient space to expand our capacity and meet local needs.” Melba President, Dr John Annison, said he was grateful to Swinburne University for making one of the buildings on campus available for use, while acknowledging the bi-partisan government support. Life Governor Pauline Jones, OAM, who has been with the organisation since inception, was exceptionally moved. In 2014, Mrs Jones received an Order of Australia Medal for life-long service to people with a disability and their families. “It is absolutely overwhelming to think that such a large and well-respected organisation has developed from such a humble beginning,” she said.

MELBA Support Service has held an upbeat grand opening to celebrate its relocation to Swinburne University’s former Lilydale campus. Amid much f... Read More »

A BADGER Creek couple have refused a debt-reduction deal from the council after alleging contractors stole and burnt belongings in a 2013 demolition.
Carol Gallagher and James Fewster have hit back at the Yarra Ranges Council after a deal was proposed earlier in the year to reduce their debt from a court-ordered demolition by $9500.
The deal was sent by Yarra Ranges Council CEO Glenn Patterson, in response to a letter from the Victorian Ombudsman, recommending a reduction in their $37,119 demolition bill.
The bill for the demolition, which will become a debt against the property, would have become $27,619 on the proviso that the couple could not disclose any details of the settlement to third parties, such as the media.
The release form for the agreement also stated that no further claims could be made against Yarra Ranges Council in relation to the incident.
But the couple refused the deal, including when their deadline for accepting was extended, stating the offer was not enough, and did not replace the items they claim were destroyed.
“We want that debt totally wiped and compensation for everything they took,” Ms Gallagher told the Mail.
“It’s so wrong what they’ve done, and I want them to pay, otherwise they’re going to do it to other people.”
The demolition was carried out on 25 and 26 November, after the courts ordered that sheds built without a permit on the couple’s Don Road property were to be taken down.
Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster claim that they had removed personal belongings from the sheds and were in the process of demolishing them with a private contractor when they hit the council deadline, and that the council-appointed contractors destroyed or removed the belongings along with the sheds.
The council furiously denied the allegations at the time, including at a public council meeting on 28 January, 2014.
But in a letter from the Victorian Ombudsman’s office on 20 November 2014 to Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster, Deputy Ombudsman John Taylor wrote that a number of deficiencies were identified in the council’s handling of the complaint.
Mr Taylor wrote that the council did not keep adequate photographic and documentary proof of items removed or destroyed, the state of those items, the reason the property was considered unsightly or dangerous and whether it had authority to remove or destroy the items.
“We concluded that it is difficult to substantiate what items of your personal property the council removed or destroyed,” he wrote.
“However, on the available evidence, it appears that the council removed a number of items of your property outside the court orders.”
Mr Taylor wrote that he considered council’s offer of a $9500 reduction fair, but the council has refused to reveal how they came to that figure.
Yarra Ranges Council’s director of Planning, Building and Health Andrew Paxton said in response to questions about the Ombudsman’s letter, that the couple had been provided with “every opportunity” to remove their valuables – “which they chose not to do.”
But this conflicts with Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster’s statements about removing their belongings, and Mr Taylor’s statement that the council did not have authority to destroy property outside of the court order.
The Mail asked the council whether it had compared quotes for the demolition with multiple contractors, but received an unclear answer.
“Council follows a robust procurement process to ensure we engage appropriately-qualified contractors,” Mr Paxton said in response.
“Cost is one of our considerations, as is the health and safety credentials to minimise risk to property owners and the public.”
Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said that a reduction in the couple’s debt did not replace the items they say were destroyed, and that she did not agree with the decision.
“Basically, the Ombudsman said council had no right to destroy the property,” she said.
“It sickens me, to think it happened – and we know it happened, there’s no disputing that.
“I would have thought an apology would have been appropriate.”
Following a further request from the Mail on whether more than one quote was asked for, whether the chosen quote was the lowest, and council’s policy on non-disclosure clauses, mayor Maria McCarthy declared the matter closed.
“This matter has been satisfactorily finalised following the Ombudsman’s investigation and council will not be making further comment,” she said.
“We will continue to communicate directly with the affected residents on the matter as required.”
The couple had been in court disputes with the council for a decade on the matter of removing the sheds, but by the time of the demolition, had moved into a recently-completed house on their nearby property.
The extended deadline for Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster to accept the debt reduction was 16 February, and was not accepted by the couple.

A BADGER Creek couple have refused a debt-reduction deal from the council after alleging contractors stole and burnt belongings in a 2013 demolition. Carol Gallagher and James Fewster have hit back at the Yarra Ranges Council after a deal was proposed earlier in the year to reduce their debt from a court-ordered demolition by $9500. The deal was sent by Yarra Ranges Council CEO Glenn Patterson, in response to a letter from the Victorian Ombudsman, recommending a reduction in their $37,119 demolition bill. The bill for the demolition, which will become a debt against the property, would have become $27,619 on the proviso that the couple could not disclose any details of the settlement to third parties, such as the media. The release form for the agreement also stated that no further claims could be made against Yarra Ranges Council in relation to the incident. But the couple refused the deal, including when their deadline for accepting was extended, stating the offer was not enough, and did not replace the items they claim were destroyed. “We want that debt totally wiped and compensation for everything they took,” Ms Gallagher told the Mail. “It’s so wrong what they’ve done, and I want them to pay, otherwise they’re going to do it to other people.” The demolition was carried out on 25 and 26 November, after the courts ordered that sheds built without a permit on the couple’s Don Road property were to be taken down. Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster claim that they had removed personal belongings from the sheds and were in the process of demolishing them with a private contractor when they hit the council deadline, and that the council-appointed contractors destroyed or removed the belongings along with the sheds. The council furiously denied the allegations at the time, including at a public council meeting on 28 January, 2014. But in a letter from the Victorian Ombudsman’s office on 20 November 2014 to Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster, Deputy Ombudsman John Taylor wrote that a number of deficiencies were identified in the council’s handling of the complaint. Mr Taylor wrote that the council did not keep adequate photographic and documentary proof of items removed or destroyed, the state of those items, the reason the property was considered unsightly or dangerous and whether it had authority to remove or destroy the items. “We concluded that it is difficult to substantiate what items of your personal property the council removed or destroyed,” he wrote. “However, on the available evidence, it appears that the council removed a number of items of your property outside the court orders.” Mr Taylor wrote that he considered council’s offer of a $9500 reduction fair, but the council has refused to reveal how they came to that figure. Yarra Ranges Council’s director of Planning, Building and Health Andrew Paxton said in response to questions about the Ombudsman’s letter, that the couple had been provided with “every opportunity” to remove their valuables – “which they chose not to do.” But this conflicts with Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster’s statements about removing their belongings, and Mr Taylor’s statement that the council did not have authority to destroy property outside of the court order. The Mail asked the council whether it had compared quotes for the demolition with multiple contractors, but received an unclear answer. “Council follows a robust procurement process to ensure we engage appropriately-qualified contractors,” Mr Paxton said in response. “Cost is one of our considerations, as is the health and safety credentials to minimise risk to property owners and the public.” Ryrie Ward councillor Fiona McAllister said that a reduction in the couple’s debt did not replace the items they say were destroyed, and that she did not agree with the decision. “Basically, the Ombudsman said council had no right to destroy the property,” she said. “It sickens me, to think it happened – and we know it happened, there’s no disputing that. “I would have thought an apology would have been appropriate.” Following a further request from the Mail on whether more than one quote was asked for, whether the chosen quote was the lowest, and council’s policy on non-disclosure clauses, mayor Maria McCarthy declared the matter closed. “This matter has been satisfactorily finalised following the Ombudsman’s investigation and council will not be making further comment,” she said. “We will continue to communicate directly with the affected residents on the matter as required.” The couple had been in court disputes with the council for a decade on the matter of removing the sheds, but by the time of the demolition, had moved into a recently-completed house on their nearby property. The extended deadline for Ms Gallagher and Mr Fewster to accept the debt reduction was 16 February, and was not accepted by the couple.

A BADGER Creek couple have refused a debt-reduction deal from the council after alleging contractors stole and burnt belongings in a 2013 demolition. ... Read More »

POLICE are searching for a 15-year-old Pakenham girl who has been missing for almost a week.
Taylah Tahi, who goes by the name of ‘Turtle’ was dropped off at Pakenham railway station at 7am on Wednesday 25 March to catch a bus to school.
The 15-year-old did not attend school that day and has not been seen or heard from since.
Police and her family are concerned for her welfare as she did not take her phone or money.
Taylah is described as Caucasian in appearance, 160cm tall with a fair complexion and long brown hair.
She was last seen wearing black leggings and a grey jumper.
Anyone who sees Taylah is urged to call police immediately.

POLICE are searching for a 15-year-old Pakenham girl who has been missing for almost a week. Taylah Tahi, who goes by the name of ‘Turtle’ was dropped off at Pakenham railway station at 7am on Wednesday 25 March to catch a bus to school. The 15-year-old did not attend school that day and has not been seen or heard from since. Police and her family are concerned for her welfare as she did not take her phone or money. Taylah is described as Caucasian in appearance, 160cm tall with a fair complexion and long brown hair. She was last seen wearing black leggings and a grey jumper. Anyone who sees Taylah is urged to call police immediately.

POLICE are searching for a 15-year-old Pakenham girl who has been missing for almost a week. Taylah Tahi, who goes by the name of ‘Turtle’ was... Read More »

Tributes have flowed in to the News for the Casey nurse who died in last week’s plane crash in the French Alps.
Carol Friday, 68, worked as a registered nurse and midwife for the City of Casey.
She and her 29-year-old son Greig were two of the 150 passengers and crew who perished when the Germanwings Airbus A320 went down in the mountains halfway through its 90-minute journey from Barcelona to Dusseldorf.
A series of tributes were also left to the Friday family on the News Facebook page in the wake of last Tuesday’s tragedy.
Katrina was among several who shared her thoughts.
“Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends,” she wrote.
Another user, Shelley, wrote that she hoped Carol and Greig “held onto each other and did not suffer”.
Last Wednesday Foreign Minister Julie Bishop read a statement to Parliament on behalf of the Fridays.
“Our family is in deep disbelief and crippled with sadness and would like to ask for privacy,” the statement read.
“Carol was a loving mother of two, a devoted wife to her husband Dave and a sister to three brothers.
“She celebrated her 68th birthday on March 23rd.
“Carol was a registered nurse, midwife and maternal and child health nurse, most recently working for the City of Casey.
“She was a talented artist and enjoyed spending time creating with her local art group. She loved to travel and has seen many of the world’s greatest sights.
“Carol loved life! She enjoyed every minute with her family and friends.”
It’s understood Greig was a mechanical engineer who studied at Monash University and was due to turn 30 on 23 April.
He and his mum were enjoying a few weeks holiday together before Greig began work in Europe.
“He (Greig) also loved to travel and had just completed a course for teaching English as a foreign language, which he was hoping to do in France in the coming year,” the statement said.
“Greig was a man who loved others and life with a full heart!”
The City of Casey offered its condolences to the family last Thursday.
“The City of Casey was incredibly saddened to learn about the tragic loss of our colleague and friend Carol Friday and her son Greig,” a council spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”
Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, has referred to the crash as an accident.
Investigators had so far discovered one of the plane’s two black boxes when the News went to print, but it’s believed research into the disaster could take months.
It’s understood evidence from a cockpit voice recorder has indicated one pilot may have left the cockpit before the plane’s descent and was unable to get back in.

Messages of condolence for victim of airliner disaster…
Tributes have flowed in to the News for the Casey nurse who died in last week’s plane crash in the French Alps. Carol Friday, 68, worked as a registered nurse and midwife for the City of Casey. She and her 29-year-old son Greig were two of the 150 passengers and crew who perished when the Germanwings Airbus A320 went down in the mountains halfway through its 90-minute journey from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. A series of tributes were also left to the Friday family on the News Facebook page in the wake of last Tuesday’s tragedy. Katrina was among several who shared her thoughts. “Thoughts and prayers with the family and friends,” she wrote. Another user, Shelley, wrote that she hoped Carol and Greig “held onto each other and did not suffer”. Last Wednesday Foreign Minister Julie Bishop read a statement to Parliament on behalf of the Fridays. “Our family is in deep disbelief and crippled with sadness and would like to ask for privacy,” the statement read. “Carol was a loving mother of two, a devoted wife to her husband Dave and a sister to three brothers. “She celebrated her 68th birthday on March 23rd. “Carol was a registered nurse, midwife and maternal and child health nurse, most recently working for the City of Casey. “She was a talented artist and enjoyed spending time creating with her local art group. She loved to travel and has seen many of the world’s greatest sights. “Carol loved life! She enjoyed every minute with her family and friends.” It’s understood Greig was a mechanical engineer who studied at Monash University and was due to turn 30 on 23 April. He and his mum were enjoying a few weeks holiday together before Greig began work in Europe. “He (Greig) also loved to travel and had just completed a course for teaching English as a foreign language, which he was hoping to do in France in the coming year,” the statement said. “Greig was a man who loved others and life with a full heart!” The City of Casey offered its condolences to the family last Thursday. “The City of Casey was incredibly saddened to learn about the tragic loss of our colleague and friend Carol Friday and her son Greig,” a council spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with the family at this time.” Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, has referred to the crash as an accident. Investigators had so far discovered one of the plane’s two black boxes when the News went to print, but it’s believed research into the disaster could take months. It’s understood evidence from a cockpit voice recorder has indicated one pilot may have left the cockpit before the plane’s descent and was unable to get back in.

Messages of condolence for victim of airliner disaster…
Tributes have flowed in to the News for the Casey nurse who died in last week’s pl... Read More »

MOVE over Miranda Kerr, there’s a new girl on the block.
Thirteen-year-old Killarney school girl Erin Lloyd has just taken the first major step in her much longed-for modelling career.
Erin, who is in Year 8 at the Killarney State School, was this week named Miss Country Girl Australia Junior Model, winning the online photography division.
Proud mum Sue said the phone call this week was a brilliant surprise for the young singer/model.
“She got into the top 10 across Australia, and we were just proud of that,” Sue admitted.
“When the lady rang us this week to tell us, we couldn’t believe it. She said she’d ring back in the morning when it had sunk in,” she laughed.
Sue said Erin was very excited about the win, particularly as part of the prize is having her name passed on to all of the top agencies.
“She is on cloud nine,” she said.
However, this doesn’t mean that she is about to ditch school and travel the world.
“She needs to have a solid education foundation behind her too,” her down-to-earth mother said from experience.
One of eight children (and the oldest of four girls), Erin is the second model in her family with one of her older brothers also doing a little modelling in the past.
Sue said they entered the competition a year ago, sending in a picture of Erin dressed as an Indian in a peach tree. It was a picture she had taken while waiting to go to band – with the 13-year-old playing clarinet in the Southern Downs Band.
But that picture in the peach tree caught the attention of the judges and so they went to Ipswich for the regional cat-walk competition.
“But we’d never done that sort of thing before, so we didn’t know what to expect,” she said.
“All the girls had big dresses and heels and their hair up. Erin just had a nice party dress and ballet flats and I’d kept her hair down.”
And while she didn’t do any good there – the photogenic youngster caught the eye in the photography section and the rest as they say is history.

MOVE over Miranda Kerr, there’s a new girl on the block. Thirteen-year-old Killarney school girl Erin Lloyd has just taken the first major step in her much longed-for modelling career. Erin, who is in Year 8 at the Killarney State School, was this week named Miss Country Girl Australia Junior Model, winning the online photography division. Proud mum Sue said the phone call this week was a brilliant surprise for the young singer/model. “She got into the top 10 across Australia, and we were just proud of that,” Sue admitted. “When the lady rang us this week to tell us, we couldn’t believe it. She said she’d ring back in the morning when it had sunk in,” she laughed. Sue said Erin was very excited about the win, particularly as part of the prize is having her name passed on to all of the top agencies. “She is on cloud nine,” she said. However, this doesn’t mean that she is about to ditch school and travel the world. “She needs to have a solid education foundation behind her too,” her down-to-earth mother said from experience. One of eight children (and the oldest of four girls), Erin is the second model in her family with one of her older brothers also doing a little modelling in the past. Sue said they entered the competition a year ago, sending in a picture of Erin dressed as an Indian in a peach tree. It was a picture she had taken while waiting to go to band – with the 13-year-old playing clarinet in the Southern Downs Band. But that picture in the peach tree caught the attention of the judges and so they went to Ipswich for the regional cat-walk competition. “But we’d never done that sort of thing before, so we didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “All the girls had big dresses and heels and their hair up. Erin just had a nice party dress and ballet flats and I’d kept her hair down.” And while she didn’t do any good there – the photogenic youngster caught the eye in the photography section and the rest as they say is history.

MOVE over Miranda Kerr, there’s a new girl on the block. Thirteen-year-old Killarney school girl Erin Lloyd has just taken the first major step ... Read More »

AFTER 33 years as a teacher and principal – 13 at the helm of Fountain Gate Secondary College – Vicki Walters is calling it a day.
Tomorrow (Friday) the 57-year-old, who has spent most of her career teaching throughout Melbourne’s south-east corridor, will sit in the principal’s chair for the last time.
Mrs Walters, who lives in Emerald with her husband Charles, remembered how she wanted to be a teacher since her own early days in high school.
“I’ve always said to any young person – we understand they make mistakes, but as long as they learn from them,” Mrs Walters said.
“Education is not just about the academic process; it’s really about developing the whole child, and their social and emotional wellbeing,
“The teenage years are difficult years not just for the children but for their families. Education is a partnership between the school, student and family.”
Mrs Walters began her teaching journey at Cranbourne Meadows Technical School in 1983. Now known as Lyndhurst Secondary College, Mr Walters taught home economics at the school before becoming the year level co-ordinator for Grade 7.
This tale of teaching then saw Ms Walters move on to different roles at a range of schools in the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong, including Noble Park Technical School as an advanced skills teacher.
When that school merged around 1992 – while the Kennett Government was in power – to become Noble Park Secondary College, the mother-of-two continued working there.
Mrs Walters then picked up a leading teaching position at Gleneagles Secondary College and three years later was promoted to assistant principal, before moving to take on a job she couldn’t refuse – campus principal of Eumemmering College’s Fountain Gate Campus.
When Eumemmering College separated into four separate schools in 2009 after a state government review, Mrs Walters was instrumental in shaping Fountain Gate Secondary’s new identity.
“It’s been the best thing that happened to all the colleges,” Mrs Walters said of the split.
“It was a very exciting time. We went through rebadging and developing our logo and building our sense of identity during that time.
“The principal’s position had to be advertised again in August 2009, and I was successful.”
Mrs Walters said the college’s multiculturalism underlined the identity she has worked so hard to help it build.
“I grew up in the Northern suburbs with newly arrived migrants and I find myself in a school with a significant number of newly arrived immigrants to our country,” she said.
“It’s great to see them really value education, working hard to do their best.”
In retirement Mrs Walters looks forward to traversing Australia alongside Charles in their caravan.
But more than a thought or two will be had about the lives of many students, and parents, that Mrs Walters has nurtured and guided.
“Yesterday I had flowers delivered from a parent who in the early days I had quite a few arguments with,” she laughed.
“But I’ve always had the children’s best interests at heart, and now that person has become one of my biggest supporters.
“And that happens with a number of families.”
Head of Commerce at Fountain Gate Secondary College Rhonda Johnstone – a long-time colleague of Mrs Walters – summed up her dearest friend as a great listener, confidante and mentor.
“Everyone will remember Vicki being the one who is generous with her time, humour, and support, and believes everyone has the right to a good education,” Ms Johnstone said.
“As long as people were prepared to put in the hard work and give it their best, she was there to support you.”

AFTER 33 years as a teacher and principal – 13 at the helm of Fountain Gate Secondary College – Vicki Walters is calling it a day. Tomorrow (Friday) the 57-year-old, who has spent most of her career teaching throughout Melbourne’s south-east corridor, will sit in the principal’s chair for the last time. Mrs Walters, who lives in Emerald with her husband Charles, remembered how she wanted to be a teacher since her own early days in high school. “I’ve always said to any young person – we understand they make mistakes, but as long as they learn from them,” Mrs Walters said. “Education is not just about the academic process; it’s really about developing the whole child, and their social and emotional wellbeing, “The teenage years are difficult years not just for the children but for their families. Education is a partnership between the school, student and family.” Mrs Walters began her teaching journey at Cranbourne Meadows Technical School in 1983. Now known as Lyndhurst Secondary College, Mr Walters taught home economics at the school before becoming the year level co-ordinator for Grade 7. This tale of teaching then saw Ms Walters move on to different roles at a range of schools in the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong, including Noble Park Technical School as an advanced skills teacher. When that school merged around 1992 – while the Kennett Government was in power – to become Noble Park Secondary College, the mother-of-two continued working there. Mrs Walters then picked up a leading teaching position at Gleneagles Secondary College and three years later was promoted to assistant principal, before moving to take on a job she couldn’t refuse – campus principal of Eumemmering College’s Fountain Gate Campus. When Eumemmering College separated into four separate schools in 2009 after a state government review, Mrs Walters was instrumental in shaping Fountain Gate Secondary’s new identity. “It’s been the best thing that happened to all the colleges,” Mrs Walters said of the split. “It was a very exciting time. We went through rebadging and developing our logo and building our sense of identity during that time. “The principal’s position had to be advertised again in August 2009, and I was successful.” Mrs Walters said the college’s multiculturalism underlined the identity she has worked so hard to help it build. “I grew up in the Northern suburbs with newly arrived migrants and I find myself in a school with a significant number of newly arrived immigrants to our country,” she said. “It’s great to see them really value education, working hard to do their best.” In retirement Mrs Walters looks forward to traversing Australia alongside Charles in their caravan. But more than a thought or two will be had about the lives of many students, and parents, that Mrs Walters has nurtured and guided. “Yesterday I had flowers delivered from a parent who in the early days I had quite a few arguments with,” she laughed. “But I’ve always had the children’s best interests at heart, and now that person has become one of my biggest supporters. “And that happens with a number of families.” Head of Commerce at Fountain Gate Secondary College Rhonda Johnstone – a long-time colleague of Mrs Walters – summed up her dearest friend as a great listener, confidante and mentor. “Everyone will remember Vicki being the one who is generous with her time, humour, and support, and believes everyone has the right to a good education,” Ms Johnstone said. “As long as people were prepared to put in the hard work and give it their best, she was there to support you.”

AFTER 33 years as a teacher and principal – 13 at the helm of Fountain Gate Secondary College – Vicki Walters is calling it a day. Tom... Read More »